She enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was camping, enjoying a hog roast with her family or spending time in the water on a boat or inner tube.

Katie Weber-Kuhl

Two of her favorite foods were chicken fingers and pizza.

Her favorite childhood movie was “The Little Mermaid.”

She played basketball and soccer as a youngster and was a Girl Scout. She tried playing the flute for a year or two in the school band.

Those are just a few of the special memories Katie Weber-Kuhl’s family members have of their daughter, granddaughter and sister.

“She was a beautiful young woman and she had a big heart,” Dan Kuhl said of his daughter. “She really enjoyed working with the residents (at Linnwood Estates). She got more out of it than the residents she was working with did. She was interested in nursing and was working on a degree at Iowa Western Community College.”

A typical teenager, the 18-year-old Glenwood Community High School graduate (Class of 2016) enjoyed shopping, particularly online, and driving around town in her Audi, a car she inherited from her grandparents.

“When she was 8, we had an Audi and she said some day that would be her car,” Johanna Weber, Katie’s grandmother, recalled. “She loved that car. She thought she was hot stuff in that car.”

Tim Weber has fond memories of Friday night dinner outings with his granddaughter to Long John Silver’s and later making a stop at the video store where Katie would pick out a movie or two to bring home.

“She was a happy kid that just liked being with her family,” Tim said. “And, she really liked being outside.”

Johanna described her granddaughter as “a little bit shy,” but somebody who was proud of her own accomplishments.

Glenwood Community School District Superintendent Devin Embray said Katie was well respected by her peers and teachers.

“She is fondly remembered today as a quiet, soft-spoken woman who was goal-driven and determined to become a nurse,” he said. “Those she cared for at the nursing home brought out her caring and affectionate smile.”

Family members said they’ve been comforted by the outpouring of kind words and support they’ve received since the Glenwood community learned of Katie’s death.

“Everyone has been so kind,” Johanna said. “Thank you for all the support and prayers. It has really meant a lot.”

A visitation service is scheduled for Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Her funeral will be at the church Monday at 2:30 p.m.